State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku on Sunday warned that no negligence in security at puja mandaps would be tolerated as the government prepares for the upcoming Sharadiya Durga Puja.
Speaking at a meeting organised by the Dhaka District Administration on security, law and order and related issues at puja mandaps in Dhaka district and metropolitan areas, Tuku said authorities would coordinate law-enforcement and intelligence activities to ensure the festival is celebrated peacefully, safely and in a disciplined manner, the ministry said in a press release.
“No negligence in the security of puja mandaps will be tolerated,” Tuku said, adding that those responsible would face action following an investigation if any untoward incident occurred.
Tuku, who is also responsible for overseeing law and order and other development activities in Dhaka district, said Bangladesh had a long tradition of communal harmony, with people participating in each other’s religious festivals.
“To preserve this harmony, everyone must play a responsible role from their respective positions,” he said.
Quoting the prime minister, Tuku said, “There is no scope for division between majority and minority in this country-we are all Bangladeshis.”
He urged people to work together for the country’s development and progress with patriotism and unity.
Tuku instructed officials to take necessary measures in coordination with the district commissioner and superintendent of police at district level and with the Dhaka Metropolitan Police commissioner and inspector general of police in metropolitan areas.
Intelligence agencies would also actively monitor the situation, he said.
The state minister called for stronger preparations and drills by law-enforcement agencies in relevant areas before the puja begins, with particular attention to security and vigilance at dawn.
Tuku said puja celebration committees must take primary responsibility for security at their temples and mandaps.
“CCTV cameras must be installed at every temple. If any kind of security risk or problem arises, the administration must be informed immediately. The government will provide maximum cooperation,” he said.
He also directed officials to take measures to ensure women’s safety at puja mandaps, saying separate arrangements for the movement of men and women could be considered.
Traffic police will be deployed to manage congestion, while Ansar members will remain on round-the-clock security duty.
Tuku said local administrations and puja committees must coordinate to complete idol immersions within scheduled times.
He also called for vigilance to prevent drug consumption and other immoral activities surrounding immersion ceremonies.
Dhaka District Commissioner Farida Khanam chaired the meeting.
State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraq Hossain, Dewan Mohammad Salauddin, MP for Dhaka-19, Nipun Roy Chowdhury, MP for Reserved Women’s Seat-11, Mohammad Kamal Hossain, MP for Dhaka-5, and Syed Zainul Abedin, MP for Dhaka-4, also spoke at the meeting.
Officials from the administration, law-enforcement agencies and intelligence agencies, along with leaders of puja celebration committees, attended.
